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FASD resource packs distributed across regional WA

Date posted: 13 March 2013

The West Australian Minister for Mental Health, Helen Morton, has unveiled a set of resources for health workers to use when trying to reduce rates of Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in Indigenous communities.

The packs, which include flip charts and storytelling cards, are being distributed to health clinics across regional Western Australia (WA) as part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about the hazards of drinking when pregnant.

There is no standardised testing for the physical and mental impairments associated with FAS but rates are believed to be higher than average in Aboriginal communities.

Helen Morton said there was an increasing amount of preventative work being done.

‘People are starting to have a much clearer understanding about alcohol and its problems associated with pregnancy,' she said. ‘So when I talk about it being an emerging issue, I think it's more about people's awareness and understanding that's emerging.'

The Minister said that the WA Drug and Alcohol Office had been doing a lot of work focusing on research and prevention of Foetal alcohol syndrome disorder.